Workman&#39;s time-recorder.



F. J. TRAN & F CAIS.

WORKMAN'S TIME RECORDER.

APPLICATION FILED-M13, 1910.

Patented May 23,1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET].

THE COLUMBIA PLANOURAPH cm. WASHINGTO D. C.

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Patented May 23, 1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

ava wfaz's F. J. TRAN & F. CAIS.

WORKMANS TIME RECORDER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 23, 1910.

1 ,1 84,277. Patented May 23, 1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3' :HE COLUMBlA PLANouRAPH co, WASHINGTON. n. c.

FRANK J. TRAN AND FRANK CAIS, 0F CLEVELAND, OHIO.

WORKMANS TIME-RECORDER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 23, 1916.

Application filed March 23, 1910. Serial No. 551,163.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that we, FRANK J. TRAN and FRANK.CArs, citizens of the United States, and residents of Cleveland, countyof Guyahoga, and State of Ohio, havejointly invented a new and usefulImprovement in Workmens Time-Recorders, of which the following is aspecification, the principle of the invention being herein explained andthe best mode in which we have contemplated applying that principle, soas to distinguish it from other inventions.

The present invention relating as indicated to workmens time recorders,has regard more particularly to certain improvements in workmens timerecorders of the type described in U. S. Patents Nos. 875,392 and875,398.

One of the objects of the present improvements is to avoid thedifficulty of registering more .than once on the same portion of therecord sheet, no matter how closely together successive operations ofthe machine may occur.

Ordinarily in recorders of the class in hand, provision is made for arelative shifting of the time-printing device and platen at statedintervals only. As a result, should a workman by accident, or otherwise,take occasion to operate the register twice within any period thusmarked off for the reception of his record, the second imprint will bemade directly over the first, thus obscuring such first record andleading to much confusion. It is, moreover, oftentimes desirable to haveon occasion, a more frequent registration of the goings and comings ofcertain workmen than of others, so that while a relative shifting of theplaten and printing device for in and out for morning and noon, andagain for afternoon and evening, will suffice in some cases, a morefrequent record in other cases is desired.

The means whereby the foregoing results may be readily and easilyaccomplished in the type of recorder in hand, will hereinafter be fullydescribed and particularly pointed out in the claims.

The annexed drawing and the following description set forth in detailcertain mechanism embodying the invention, such disclosed meansconstituting, however, but one of various mechanical forms in which theprinciple of the invention may be used.

In said annexed drawings :-F gu. e 1 is a broken front elevation of atime recorder of the kindv referred to above, wherein have been embodiedour present improvements; Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal section. ofsuch recorder on the line 2-2, Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectionalview of a detail of the recorder; Figs. 3, 4c and 5 are similar views ofsuch detail but showing the parts in different operative positions; andFig. 6 shows a modification in the construction of such detail.

The general construction and mode of operation of the recorder will needto be only briefly noted. Such recorder, then, comprises a case A,within which is revolubly mounted a drum or platen B, shown in sectionin Fig. 2. To this drum is affixed the record sheet, which is divided,as will readily be understood, into a series of transverse spacescorresponding with individuals who are to use the recorder, and these inturn by a series of vertical lines into spaces corresponding to periodsof time, as, for instance, days. The number of days, in case the laterperiod be selected, will obviously vary with the use to which themachine is to be put, and corresponding changes may require to be madein its size. Transversely movable across the platen on ways a. in theupper part of the case, is sup orted a timeprinting device C, which isshifted at stated intervals so as to be positioned over those portionsof the sheet on the platen corresponding with successive periods oftime. Such operation of the time-printing device is had through aclock-actuated spindle 0 parallel with said ways. The same clock O thatoperates such spindle, serves also to rotate another parallel shaft 0.that carries a series of pins or stops 0 whereby movement of thetime-printing device is controlled, such movement being induced by asuitable counter-weight 0 or like means. Rotation of shaft 0 by bringingsuccessive pins 0 into a stated position with respect to an arm on thetime-printing device O, permits the latter to pass until it is stoppedby the next pin.

As in the recorder described in Patent No. 875,393, we propose to use adial A provided with figures or designating characters M, suchcharacters corresponding with transverse portions of the platen,appropriated, as has just been stated, to the use of indi idual workmen.Preferably these characters are arranged in two semi-circular series asshown. For rotating the platen two levers b are provided in front ofsaid dial, associated with which are pointers Z) of unequal lengths, theseries of characters just referred to being so arranged as to beindicated by the longer and the shorter of said two pointersrespectively. When a pointer is then brought into position with respectto any particular character, and the lever pressed inwardly, areciprocable shaft 6 Fig; 2, lying in the hollow drum-shaft b will beactuated inwardly and by suitable connections 6* cause the time-printingdevice to contact with the transverse portion of the platencorresponding with the character indicated, and at a pointlongitudinally of such portion depending on the posi tion of the devicerelatively to the platen.

In the present improved construction of the recorder, we provide forreversibly rotating the platen by rotation of the levers I) thusprovided in front of the dial of the case, interposing, with this inview, a set of three bevel gears 6 As clearly shown in Fig. 2, thesegears are held in a rectangular bracket a secured to the front wall ofthe case and the stem or short shaft 5 that carries the levers isextended within the tubular somewhat larger shaft that carries theplaten so as to afiord an ample bearing for the former, and insure asrigid a connection as though the two shafts were continuous. By reasonof such reversible rotation of the platen it will follow that eitherlever may be brought into different positions with respect to the end ofthe drum, and thus be adapted to cooperate with the latter at variousselected points about its circumference. By the use of the gears betweenthe levers and the platen, the transverse spaces on the platen do nothave to be of the same size as the distances between the characters onthe dial A but may be made of any convenient size. The gears also allowthe platen to be spaced accurately to correspond with the characters onthe dial, as will be readily seen.

i In the preceding forms of recorder to which reference has been made,the outer ends of the levers b have been respectively provided with pinsor plungers adaptedto cooperate with shallow holes or recesses in thedial. Such engagement of the pins and apertures being used simply toinsure correct location of the parts, the pins were resiliently mountedso as not to interfere with the full inward movement of the lever.

'In the present construction, instead of having such pins or plungers(designated by reference letter 6), resiliently mounted, we

attach the same fixedly to the levers andextend the aperturesa wherewiththey are optionally registrable through the front Wall of the case sothat upon the inward movement of a lever, the corresponding pin iscaused to project within the case a definite distance. Attached to theforward end of the drum so as to lie adjacent to the series of aperturesa through which the pins on the levers may be thus caused to project,are a series of adjustable stop devices D, the construction of which isshown in detail in Figs. 3, 4 and 5. Each stop device, as there shown,consists of a light rectangular case cl within which is pivotallysupported a ratchet member cl provided with a radial extension formedwith a series of notches or steps A spring d normally tends to rotatesuch ratchet member in the direction indicated by the arrow, movement insuch direction, however, being limited by a. pin (Z which at the sametime serves to secure one end of the spring. A locking pawl d cooperateswith the ratchet teeth on member (l to retain the same in whateverposition it may be rotated from such normal position in a directionopposite to that indicated by the arrow, such dog being pivoted about anaxis d and having its rear end (Z extend without the case or in a radialdirection with respect to the axis of the drum, which it has been seencarries the whole device in question. A spring d normally retains suchpawl in its locking position and also retains in retracted position anactuating pawl or dog d that is slidably held in the case in position toengage the teeth of the ratchet member when urged forwardly and impartthereto a definite rotative movement.

The pins or plungers 7) carried by levers 7) are designed, when forcedinwardly, to enter the correspondingcase (Z adjacent to the rear end ofthis actuating pawl, and by urging the same forwardly to rotate theratchet member, so as to bring the first of the series of stops,wherewith it is formed, into line with such pin and thus serve as a stopfor the same. Said ratchet member will'then be retained in thisposition, despite the retraction of the pin and of the actuating pawl,by means of locking pawl (Z The normal position of the stop device D isthat shown in Fig. 3, where member (1 is held against pin d by means ofspring (Z The effect of the initial operation of the device by theinsertion of plunger b is to move said member into the position shown inFig. 4, in which position it remains pending the engagement of theplunger with the first of the stops d as shown in Fig. 5. Such positionof parts moreover is maintained until a plunger 6 is again inserted inthe case, upon a subsequent oscillation of the lever bearing suchplunger in conjunction with the particular designation, wherewith theparticular device D in question corresponds. Successive operations ofthe device D serve to bring one stop (Z after the further series ofoperations.

other into position to be engaged by the plunger. Depending upon whichstop is thus interposed in the path of the plunger, it will be seenthat, if the latter is given its full inward movement, a longitudinalshifting of the drum or platen must result. This shifting is resisted bya spring I) or other like means conveniently mounted, as shown, at thefarther end of the drum shaft, so that the drum is always returned toits forward position upon conclusion of the operation just described. Inorder to permit such longitudinal shifting of the drum while stillsecuring the same rotatably to the shaft 6 the latter is provided with acollar 6 bearing radial arms Z) to the outer ends of which arms are inturn secured longitudinally extending pins 6 that engage with aperturesin the end of the drum, as will be readily understood.

In the normal forward position of the drum the time printing device C isdesigned to be held by the shaft 0 that controls its movement, so as toprint just within the margin of the space appropriated to the particularperiod of time, as for instance, the third day of the week, over whichsuch device is in general located. The effect then of the successivelongitudinal shifting of the drum is to cause each successive imprintmade during the time thus appropriated, or in other words, during theday in question to come farther and farther to the right of the margin,and thus prevent one impression being made directly over a precedingone. The number of successive records that can be thus made withoutbeing superposed will correspond, of course, with the number of stops don ratchet members d in the adjustable stop devices D, but the number ofthese stops can be obviously made smaller or larger'than indicated inthe illustrative construction shown in the drawings.

In order to restore the stop devices D to their normal position, as isdesirable upon entering upon each successive period of time, viz., atthe beginning of each day in the case in hand, a lever E pivotally hungin the lower portion of the case A is adapted to be pressed against theouter faces of the several devices so as to engage with the projectingrear ends d of the locking pawls d of said devices. The effect of thisengagement is obviously to allow the several ratchet members to fly backinto their normal positions under the action of springs d whereupon saiddevices are ready for a The setting lever just described, isconveniently carried by a short shaft 6 mounted in the front wall of thecase and provided with a suitable operating means, not shown.

Obviously the adjustable stop device may take on various forms; thus inFig. 6, we show in place of a pivoted ratchet member,

a longitudinally slidable member d ,which is adapted to engage a plunger6 at different points during the latters inward movement. to hold thismember (Z against movement under the action of a spring (Z connectedwith a pinion (Z that meshes with rackteeth (Z on said member. Anactuating pawl d corresponding with pawl 0Z of the first-describeddevice, lies in the path of plunger 6*, so as to be reciprocatedthereby, and is adapted to rotate pinion d by regular amounts tosimilarly advanced mem-- ber cl.

Other modes of applying the principle of our invention may be employedinstead of the one explained, change being made as regards the mechanismherein disclosed, provided the means stated by any of the followingclaims or the equivalent of such stated means be employed.

We therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as ourinvention 1. In a time recorder, the combination of a platen in the formof a rotatable drum; a time-printing device movable longitudinally ofsaid drum; time-controlled means for effecting such movement; alongitudinally reciprocable shaft axially disposed within said drum andconnected to actuate said time-printing device to print; a leveroperatively connected with said drum and shaft. said lever beingrotatable about the axis of said drum to rotate the latter andoscillatory in a plane parallel with such axis to reciprocate saidshaft, the connections between said lever and drum rotating the lat terin a direction the reverse of that of the former, whereby said drum andlever may be brought into different relative positions; and meansoperable upon oscillation of said shaft to shift said drumlongitudinally.

2. In a time recorder, the combination of a platen in the form of arotatable drum; a time-printing device movable longitudinally of saiddrum; time contolled means for effecting such movement; a longitudinallyreciprocable shaft axially disposed within said drum and connected toactuate said time-printing device to print; a lever operativelyconnected with said drum and shaft, said lever being rotatable about theaxis of said drum to rotate the latter and oscillatory in a planeparallel with such axis to reciprocate said shaft, the connectionsbetween said lever and drum rotating the latter in a manner differentfrom the rotation of the former, whereby said drum and lover may bebrought into different relative positions; and means operable uponoscillation of said shaft to shift said drum longitudinally, said meansbeing variously thus operable in different relative positions of saidlever and drum.

' 3, In atime recorder, the combination of A locking pawl (Z as beforeserves a platen in the form of a rotatable drum; a time-printing devicemovable longitudinally of said drum; timecontrolled means for effectingsuch movement; a longitudinally reciprocable shaft axially disposedwithin said drum and connected to actuate said time-printing device toprint; a. lever operatively connected with said drum and shaft, saidlever being rotatable about the axis of said drum to rotate the latterand oscillatory in a plane parallel with such axis to reciprocate saidshaft, the connections between said lever and drum rotating the latterin a direction the reverse of that of the former, whereby said drum andlever may be brought into different relative posi tions; and meansoperable upon oscillation of said shaft to shift said drumlongitudinally, said means being variously thus operable in differentrelative positions of said lever and drum.

4. In a time recorder the combination of a platen in the form of arotatable and longitudinally movable drum; a time printing devicemovable longitudinally of said drum; time controlled means for eifectingsuch movement; a longitudinally reciprocable shaft axially disposedwithin said drum and connected to actuate said time printing device toprint; a lever operatively connected with said drum and said shaft, saidlever being rotatable about the axis of said drum, to rotate the latter,and oscillatory in 'a plane parallel with such axis to reciprocate saidshaft, operative connections betweensaid lever and said drum whereby therotation of the former causes rotation of the latter in the reversedirection, thereby bringing said drum and said lever into differentrelative position, and means operable upon the oscillation of said shaftto shift said drum longitudinally.

5. In a time recorder the combination of a case, a platen in the form ofa drum rotatably mounted in said case; a time printing device movablelongitudinally of said drum; time controlled means for effecting suchmovement, said means consisting of a clock mechanism, a rotatable shaftadapted to be rotated by said clock mechanism, stops mounted on saidshaft at certain intervals, the rotation of said shaft releasing saidtime printing device and allowing the same to move along said shaft thedistance between two stops; a longitudinally reciprocable shaft axiallydisposed within said drum and connected to actuate said time printingdevice to print; a lever operatively connected with said drum and saidshaft, said lever being rotatable about the axis of said drum to rotatethe latter, and oscillatory in a plane parallel with such axis toreq'i{procate said shaft; operative connections between said lever andsaid drum whereby rotation of one is in the reverse direction to that ofthe other, thereby bringing said drum and said lever into differentrelative positions.

Signed by me, FRANK J. TRAN, this 2nd day of March, 1910.

FRANK J. TRAN. Attested by- D. T. DAVIES, JNo. F. OBERLIN. Signed by me,FRANK Cxrs, this 11th day of March, 1910.

FRANK CAIS. Attested by F RED H. REYER, L. M. MARTIN.

Oopiee of thin patent may he obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner or Patente, Washington, D. C.

